Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 2nd, 2015 8:00AM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Wind Slabs.

chris gooliaff, Parks Canada

Glacier.

The calm, sunny weather has ended. The stormy weather will usher in change to the mountains.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Expect flurries with light to moderate SW winds today, freezing levels remaining in the valley bottom around Rogers Pass. Thursday will bring more snow, but models are in disagreement on amounts: 10 to 25cm could fall. Freezing levels will rise to 1600m on Thursday, with strong SW winds.

Snowpack Summary

5cm of new snow has hidden various surfaces. 20mm surface hoar and surface facetting was prevalent below tree-line. At tree-line and above, 6mm surface hoar was found with sun crusts on steep solar aspects, variable wind effect and slabs in exposed terrain. The low elevation surface hoar and facetting will be a layer to watch with future loading.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches observed yesterday.

Confidence

Due to the number of field observations

Problems

Wind Slabs

Distribution of winds slabs has been spotty but has been found on southerly aspects. Use caution when transitioning into exposed terrain at tree line and in the alpine.

Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Dec 3rd, 2015 8:00AM